Application of feeding behaviour to predict morbidity of newly received calves in a commercial feedlot

The objective of this study was to use feeding behavior of newly received s teers (average initial weight 191 kg) to detect morbidity in animals in a c ommercial feedlot. Two separate 32 d feeding trials were conducted in Wellt on, Arizona, in July and November 1996. Radio frequency technology was used to record the total time spent within 50 cm of the feedbunk (animal presen ce every 5.25 s times 5.25 s) in 3 h intervals from 0600 to 2400 on a daily basis for 103 and 122 male calves in trial 1 and 2, respectively. Statisti cal procedures based on the cumulative sums (CUSUM) of the 3 h feeding inte rvals were used to detect morbid animals, compared with detection of animal s deemed morbid by experienced pen riders. In trial 1, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 4.5 d earlier (P < 0.001) than the feedlot person nel. In trial 2, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 3.7 d earlie r (P < 0.001) than feedlot pen riders. Overall accuracy, positive predictiv e value and sensitivity of the CUSUM prediction method were 87, 91, and 90% , respectively. Combined trial data suggest that feeding behavior during th e first 30 d cattle are in a receiving pen, as collected with radio frequen cy technology and analyzed with CUSUM charts, may be used to detect animal morbidity approximately 4.1 d earlier (P < 0.001) than conventional methods typically employed in commercial feedlots.